Your child's sleep pattern is probably NORMAL for their age! Most parents worry about sleep, but understanding what's typical at each age brings huge relief. Newborns wake frequently - that's biology, not a problem. Older children need consistent bedtimes. This guide shows you exactly what to expect at every age (neend kitni chahiye) and when to actually worry.
Watch: Best Bedtime for Babies for Brain & Growth Development | Baby Sleep Tips
Sleep directly affects:
Did you know? About 50% of children's growth happens during deep sleep!
Lack of sleep causes:
| Age | Total Sleep Needed | Night Sleep | Naps | Normal Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 months | 16-18 hours | 8-9 hours | 7-9 hours (many) | Wakes every 2-3 hours - NORMAL! |
| 2-4 months | 14-16 hours | 9-10 hours | 4-5 hours (3-4 naps) | May start longer stretches |
| 4-6 months | 12-15 hours | 10-11 hours | 3-4 hours (2-3 naps) | Some sleep through night |
| 6-9 months | 12-14 hours | 10-11 hours | 2-3 hours (2 naps) | Most can sleep 6+ hours |
| 9-12 months | 12-14 hours | 10-12 hours | 2-3 hours (2 naps) | Separation anxiety may disrupt |
| 1-2 years | 11-14 hours | 10-12 hours | 2-3 hours (1-2 naps) | Bedtime resistance starts |
| 2-3 years | 10-13 hours | 10-11 hours | 1-2 hours (1 nap) | May drop nap |
| 3-5 years | 10-13 hours | 10-12 hours | 0-1 hour | Most stop napping |
| 5-12 years | 9-12 hours | All at night | None | Consistent bedtime crucial |
| 13-18 years | 8-10 hours | All at night | None | Natural late shift |
NORMAL:
Not concerning:
NORMAL:
What changes:
NORMAL:
Not concerning:
NORMAL:
Not concerning:
NORMAL:
Not concerning:
NORMAL:
See a doctor if:
At any age:
Specific concerns:
NOT usually concerning:
Consistent routine (Rozana wahi tareeka):
Good sleep environment:
Before bed - avoid:
Newborns (0-3 months):
Infants (3-12 months):
Toddlers (1-3 years):
Preschoolers (3-5 years):
School-age and teens:
| Normal Issues | Actual Disorders |
|---|---|
| Night waking in babies | Sleep apnea (breathing pauses) |
| Bedtime resistance | Restless leg syndrome |
| Occasional nightmares | Frequent night terrors |
| Needing help to sleep | Insomnia (rare in children) |
Most children have sleep ISSUES, not DISORDERS!
A: YES, completely normal! Newborns have small stomachs and need frequent feeding. Their sleep cycles are also shorter (45-60 min vs adult 90 min), so they wake between cycles. By 4-6 months, many babies start sleeping longer stretches. Don't compare with other babies - some sleep longer earlier, some later. This phase will pass!
A: At 6 months, total sleep need is about 12-14 hours in 24 hours - typically 10-11 hours at night plus 2-3 hours of daytime naps (usually 2-3 naps). Some babies sleep through the night by this age, others still wake 1-2 times. Both can be normal. Focus on total sleep hours, not just night sleep.
A: This is a sleep association - baby has learned to need your arms to fall asleep. To change: start putting baby down drowsy but awake, gradual approach works best. First, try putting down after deep sleep, then progressively earlier. It takes time! "Drowsy but awake" practice helps baby learn to self-soothe.
A: Many 2-year-olds resist naps even though they still need them! Signs they still need a nap: cranky in late afternoon, falls asleep in car, has meltdowns. If nap is truly refused, move bedtime earlier (even 6:30 PM is OK). Some children naturally drop nap between 2-3 years. Ensure enough total sleep.
A: Night fears are NORMAL in preschoolers (imagination developing!). Help by: validating feelings (don't dismiss), night light, comfort object, checking under bed together, "monster spray" (water bottle), brief reassurance then leave. Don't start staying until they fall asleep - this creates new habit. Fears usually fade by age 6-7.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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